Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Flavorful Comfort Recipe

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If you crave a warm, cheesy treat that packs a flavorful punch, you’re in the right place! This Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Recipe is simple yet delicious, combining corny goodness with just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re a cornbread pro or a newbie, I’ll guide you through every step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s sure to become a favorite! Let’s get started!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar creates a delightful contrast that elevates traditional cornbread to a new level.
  2. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect side dish for any meal or a quick snack.
  3. Perfectly Moist Texture: The combination of milk and melted butter ensures that the cornbread remains moist and tender, avoiding the common dry texture of many cornbreads.
  4. Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your spice preference, making it suitable for everyone in the family.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar

For the dry ingredients, I use a mix of cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Cornmeal gives the cornbread a nice texture. The flour helps it rise well. Baking powder is key for fluffiness. Salt adds flavor, while sugar gives a hint of sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

The wet ingredients include milk, eggs, and melted butter. Milk makes the cornbread moist. Eggs bind everything together. Melted butter adds richness and a lovely flavor.

Flavor Add-ins

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped

Now for the fun part! I add sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy kick. Jalapeños bring the heat. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it. More jalapeños mean more flavor and warmth!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Dish

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or use parchment paper.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, mix together:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Mixing Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Combining Ingredients

  • Fold the wet mix into the dry mix.
  • Stir gently to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread light.

Baking the Cornbread

  • Pour the batter into the prepared dish.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden top.

Cooling and Serving

  • Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes.
  • Slice into squares and serve warm.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get the best texture, avoid overmixing your batter. Overmixing makes the cornbread dense and tough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. This keeps it light and fluffy. To check for doneness, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cornbread. If it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready.

Enhancing Flavor

You can adjust the spice level by changing the jalapeño amount. If you like heat, add more jalapeños. For milder cornbread, use fewer. The type of cheese also matters. Using high-quality sharp cheddar enhances the taste. It adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cornmeal base.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cornbread warm. A dollop of butter makes it even better. You can also sprinkle more cheese on top for extra flavor. Garnish each slice with jalapeño slices. This not only adds color but also a nice bite. Enjoy this cornbread with soups, chili, or as a snack on its own.

Pro Tips

  1. Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder cornbread, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping, as the seeds hold much of the heat.
  2. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for an extra kick or a mild mozzarella for a creamier texture.
  3. Storage Tips: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  4. Serving Suggestions: Pair with chili or BBQ dishes for a delicious meal, or enjoy it as a side with soups for a comforting experience.

Variations

Gluten-Free Option

To make this cornbread gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur Flour work well. These blends mimic regular flour’s texture, so your cornbread stays light and tasty.

Vegan Option

If you want a vegan cornbread, replace milk with almond or soy milk. For eggs, use flaxseed meal or applesauce. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg you need. This keeps the cornbread moist and fluffy.

Alternative Flavors

You can add a pop of sweetness by mixing in corn kernels. This gives a nice texture and flavor. Also, try different cheese types like pepper jack or gouda for a fun twist. Each cheese brings its unique taste, enhancing the cornbread experience.

Storage Information

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This method helps retain its moisture and flavor. Store it at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. In the fridge, it can last for about a week.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to enjoy your cornbread again, the best way to reheat it is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the cornbread warm and soft. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Just heat for 15-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or it may become dry.

Freezing Cornbread

Freezing cornbread is a great option for later use. First, let the cornbread cool completely. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. For the best flavor, reheat it in the oven after thawing. This keeps the texture nice and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use frozen jalapeños in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen jalapeños. They will still add flavor. However, they may release some water as they thaw. This can make the cornbread a bit moist. If you use frozen jalapeños, make sure to drain the excess water. Fresh jalapeños will give better texture and taste, but frozen ones work in a pinch.

How do I know when the cornbread is done?

You can tell if the cornbread is done by its color and texture. Look for a golden brown top. You can also do a toothpick check. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake a few more minutes.

What can I serve with Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread?

This cornbread pairs well with many dishes. It goes great with chili or soup. You can also serve it with BBQ meats. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner. For a tasty twist, try adding butter or honey on top. A side salad can balance the meal nicely, too.

In this post, we covered how to make Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with simple steps. We explored dry and wet ingredients, plus flavor add-ins. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor, along with variations for gluten-free and vegan options. Proper storage and reheating methods keep your cornbread fresh and tasty. Enjoying warm cornbread with butter or cheese can enhance any meal. Remember, you can adjust spice levels to your taste. Make this recipe your own and enjoy every bit

- 1 cup cornmeal - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup sugar For the dry ingredients, I use a mix of cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Cornmeal gives the cornbread a nice texture. The flour helps it rise well. Baking powder is key for fluffiness. Salt adds flavor, while sugar gives a hint of sweetness. - 1 cup milk - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted The wet ingredients include milk, eggs, and melted butter. Milk makes the cornbread moist. Eggs bind everything together. Melted butter adds richness and a lovely flavor. - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped Now for the fun part! I add sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy kick. Jalapeños bring the heat. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it. More jalapeños mean more flavor and warmth! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or use parchment paper. - In a large bowl, mix together: - 1 cup cornmeal - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup sugar - In a separate bowl, whisk together: - 1 cup milk - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - Fold the wet mix into the dry mix. - Stir gently to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread light. - Pour the batter into the prepared dish. - Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden top. - Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes. - Slice into squares and serve warm. To get the best texture, avoid overmixing your batter. Overmixing makes the cornbread dense and tough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. This keeps it light and fluffy. To check for doneness, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cornbread. If it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready. You can adjust the spice level by changing the jalapeño amount. If you like heat, add more jalapeños. For milder cornbread, use fewer. The type of cheese also matters. Using high-quality sharp cheddar enhances the taste. It adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cornmeal base. Serve your cornbread warm. A dollop of butter makes it even better. You can also sprinkle more cheese on top for extra flavor. Garnish each slice with jalapeño slices. This not only adds color but also a nice bite. Enjoy this cornbread with soups, chili, or as a snack on its own. Pro Tips Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder cornbread, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping, as the seeds hold much of the heat. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for an extra kick or a mild mozzarella for a creamier texture. Storage Tips: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Serving Suggestions: Pair with chili or BBQ dishes for a delicious meal, or enjoy it as a side with soups for a comforting experience. {{image_2}} To make this cornbread gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Brands like Bob's Red Mill and King Arthur Flour work well. These blends mimic regular flour's texture, so your cornbread stays light and tasty. If you want a vegan cornbread, replace milk with almond or soy milk. For eggs, use flaxseed meal or applesauce. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg you need. This keeps the cornbread moist and fluffy. You can add a pop of sweetness by mixing in corn kernels. This gives a nice texture and flavor. Also, try different cheese types like pepper jack or gouda for a fun twist. Each cheese brings its unique taste, enhancing the cornbread experience. To keep your Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This method helps retain its moisture and flavor. Store it at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. In the fridge, it can last for about a week. When you are ready to enjoy your cornbread again, the best way to reheat it is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the cornbread warm and soft. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Just heat for 15-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or it may become dry. Freezing cornbread is a great option for later use. First, let the cornbread cool completely. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. For the best flavor, reheat it in the oven after thawing. This keeps the texture nice and fresh. Yes, you can use frozen jalapeños. They will still add flavor. However, they may release some water as they thaw. This can make the cornbread a bit moist. If you use frozen jalapeños, make sure to drain the excess water. Fresh jalapeños will give better texture and taste, but frozen ones work in a pinch. You can tell if the cornbread is done by its color and texture. Look for a golden brown top. You can also do a toothpick check. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake a few more minutes. This cornbread pairs well with many dishes. It goes great with chili or soup. You can also serve it with BBQ meats. It's perfect for a cozy dinner. For a tasty twist, try adding butter or honey on top. A side salad can balance the meal nicely, too. In this post, we covered how to make Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with simple steps. We explored dry and wet ingredients, plus flavor add-ins. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor, along with variations for gluten-free and vegan options. Proper storage and reheating methods keep your cornbread fresh and tasty. Enjoying warm cornbread with butter or cheese can enhance any meal. Remember, you can adjust spice levels to your taste. Make this recipe your own and enjoy every bite!

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

A deliciously spicy and cheesy cornbread perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1-2 jalapeños finely chopped (adjust based on spice preference)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
  • Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and melted butter, whisking until well mixed.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cornbread dense.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

Serve slices of cornbread warm with a dollop of butter or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño for an extra pop of color.
Keyword baking, cheddar, cornbread, jalapeño

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